Andrew, how did you find out that you are bipolar?
The first time, I was admitted to a psychiatric hospital was in 2003. But, for first three years I did not accept the fact that Iwas mentaly ill. During my first hospitalization, after just three days, I ran away from hospital. Unfortunately,
bipolar hit me hard. I would have maniac ups, which meant I felt overwhelming euphoria and excitment much more than usual. After up to four months, I was back in a mental hospital. At this stage I was still refusing to take medication
after hospitalization, and I was often back at a psychiatric ward. Usually, I would spendup to 6-8 weeks in hospital. My last admition to psychiatric hospital was in 2009.
Have you finally accepted your mental condition and the fact that you do need treatment?
In the Summer 2009, I was admitted to a day programmepsychiatric ward in a hospital. During that timeI found out about a Rehabilitation Centre in Jedlicze that offered rehabilitation for my condition. I decided to give it a try. In Jedlicze
Rehabilitation Centre I started proper treatment, including regular medication. I was there from September 2009 until March 2010. There was very good atmosphere and soon I begun to recover.
What was your next step?
Although, I did not feel I had fully recovered, I luckly moved to Shelter Accomodation in Łódż. There I became more active, I got involved with housekeeping, cooking and completing admin work if needed. In 2011 I started regular
work as a carpenter at Occupational Activity Company (provided by the same organisation). I was involved in this project from its very start. Thanks to this work, I feel much better now and my condition does not feel such a burden anymore.
But you do still need to continue your treatment – don’t you forget about that?
I do follow my doctor’s instructions and I carefully look after my health. I am aware of my illness and I have learned how to recognise its symptoms. Over the past 11 years, I was admitted to psychiatric hospital only 3 times, each time was
through my own initiative and I did not stay long. Unfortunatelly, I know that I will have to live with my condition all my life. You can not imagine this everyday fight, if you are not mentaly ill. Also, taking medication causes side
effects. Most of all, I do suffer from somnolenceand I get tired quickly. But for now, I do feel really well and I hope it will last. I have been under psychiatrist care for many years now.
I know you have some ‘adventures’ with medical students?
Yes, and I am proud of that. My doctor invited me to meet with his medical students and I told them about my condition. I hope they have learned from my personal experience as they become doctors in the future. It was also important
for me to continue to overcome myown internal barriers and be able to share my experiences.